When it comes to outdoor activities, having the right gear is essential for comfort and safety. One often overlooked but crucial piece of equipment is outdoor gloves. Whether you’re heading out for a winter hike, engaging in snow sports, or simply enjoying a brisk autumn day, the right gloves can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose the perfect outdoor gloves for both kids and adults, ensuring you’re well-equipped for any adventure.
Consider the Weather
The first step in selecting the ideal outdoor gloves is to consider the prevailing weather conditions. Different activities and seasons demand varying levels of protection. For colder climates, insulated gloves with thermal properties are crucial to keep hands warm. On the other hand, breathable and moisture-wicking gloves are ideal for warmer weather, preventing hands from becoming sweaty and uncomfortable.
Material Matters
Outdoor gloves come in a variety of materials, each with its own set of advantages. For cold weather, consider gloves made from materials like Gore-Tex or Thinsulate for insulation. Waterproof materials are essential for activities in wet conditions. Leather gloves offer durability and protection, making them suitable for more rugged outdoor pursuits.
Fit and Size
One of the most critical aspects of choosing outdoor gloves is ensuring the right fit. Gloves that are too tight can restrict movement and circulation, while those that are too loose may not provide adequate warmth. Measure your hands or your child’s hands accurately and refer to sizing charts provided by manufacturers to find the perfect fit.
Durability and Protection
Depending on the nature of your outdoor activities, you’ll want gloves that can withstand the rigors of the environment. Look for gloves with reinforced palms and fingers for added durability, especially if you plan on engaging in activities that involve gripping or handling rough surfaces.
Functionality
Consider the specific needs of your outdoor activities. If you’ll be using touchscreen devices, opt for gloves with touchscreen-compatible fingertips. For activities like skiing or snowboarding, gloves with wrist straps can help prevent loss. Think about the practical aspects of the gloves that will enhance your overall outdoor experience.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Before making a purchase, take the time to research and read reviews about different glove brands and models. Reputable brands with positive customer feedback are more likely to provide quality products. Learn from the experiences of others to make an informed decision.
Choosing the right outdoor gloves for kids and adults involves thoughtful consideration of weather conditions, materials, fit, durability, functionality, and brand reputation. By taking these factors into account, you’ll ensure that you and your family are well-prepared for whatever outdoor adventures come your way. Whether it’s a snowy mountain hike or a leisurely autumn stroll, the right gloves will keep you comfortable, protected, and ready to embrace the great outdoors.
Smugglers’ Notch is a beloved family-oriented resort in Vermont’s Green Mountains. With a wide range of terrain suitable for all skill levels, it offers excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
When it comes to taking your family skiing at small mountain resorts on the East Coast, you’ll find several charming destinations that offer a more intimate and family-friendly experience. Here are some of the best places for family skiing at small mountain resorts on the East Coast: focus on family programs, kids’ camps, and special events makes it a fantastic choice for a family ski vacation.
This small mountain resort is known for its affordability and family-friendly atmosphere. With a variety of terrain, it’s perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers. Bolton Valley offers ski-in/ski-out accommodations and a range of winter activities beyond skiing, making it great for families.
Located in Henniker, New Hampshire, Pats Peak is a delightful family-friendly ski area. It’s known for its manageable terrain, friendly staff, and ski school programs for all ages. The small mountain size makes it an ideal place for beginners and families looking for a relaxed experience.
Shawnee Mountain offers a convenient and family-friendly skiing experience in the Pocono Mountains. It has a dedicated learning area for beginners and a variety of slopes for different skill levels. The ski school and rental options make it a great choice for families.
Nestled in the Berkshires, Ski Butternut is a small mountain resort that caters to families and beginners. With a ski school that offers lessons for all ages and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere, it’s an excellent destination for family skiing.
Hidden Valley offers a picturesque setting in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. This small mountain resort is known for its welcoming environment and a range of terrain that suits all levels of skiers and snowboarders. It’s a great choice for families looking to escape the city for a weekend of skiing.
Located in the northern Adirondacks, Titus Mountain is a family-owned and operated ski resort. It’s renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and affordable rates. The varied terrain and welcoming staff make it a top pick for families in the region.
Cranmore Mountain in North Conway, New Hampshire, is a small but vibrant family ski destination. The resort offers a mix of terrain for all skill levels and a variety of winter activities, including tubing and a mountain adventure park.
While not as small as some of the others on this list, Snowshoe offers a more intimate feel compared to larger resorts in the region. With a dedicated children’s program and a charming village, it’s a fantastic option for families looking for a ski getaway in the Appalachian Mountains.
Blue Knob is a lesser-known gem in the Allegheny Mountains. It offers affordable skiing and snowboarding experiences in a more relaxed and family-friendly environment. The resort is perfect for families seeking a low-key ski adventure.
Remember that while smaller resorts may offer a cozier and less crowded experience, it’s essential to check their trail conditions and offerings, as they can be more weather-dependent compared to larger ski areas. Always plan ahead and ensure that the resort you choose aligns with your family’s skiing abilities and preferences.
As a one time 19-year-old lifeguard and now a, er, not so 19-year-old parent, I’d like to give you, my fellow parents, the straight scoop.
Even as a teenager, it amazed me just how lackadaisical some parents can be about watching their kids around the water. And that’s putting it nicely. So here’s what I wished parents knew from my days of being on the frontlines of water safety:
Water can be deadly
It’s no joke. Kids can drown in a very shallow pool of water. Never take your eyes off them, even if they know how to swim.
I know you really want you to be able gab with your friends or chill by the waterside and read your book. You deserve it. But sorry, you have a kid with you. There’s a reason we require that small children be accompanied by a guardian. So put the book away. Listen to an audio book on your phone or listen to music instead so you can keep your eyes on your kids. As for gabbing, you can still do it, just do that weird eyes on the water thing while talking to your friend thing that parents do. If your friend thinks you are rude for not looking at her while you are talking to her, get new friends. And it would be a great idea to take this water safety for parents class through the Red Cross.
I am probably a teenager, maybe early twenties. Capish?
I know you are thinking, well the lifeguard is getting paid to make sure no harm comes to my child while I’m at the beach. She SHOULD be watching my child. But let me ask you this. Do you know me? Do you really know how responsible I am?
Chances are I’m very responsible but you don’t know that for sure. Even on a good day I might be a little distracted thinking about some guy or girl I’m crushing on, where I’m going to college, that party I’m going to tonight, etc. So you know that innocent creature you gave birth to, nurtured for years, invested in and will invest an immense amount more of your love and time, do you really want to just assume I am watching them like you would? Word to the wise, in your mind, pretend I’m not here and be your own lifeguard.
Keep your eyes on your kids the way you want me to. I’m probably doing everything right, but if I’m not, there’s no second chances. No do-overs. I screw up and miss your child drowning, not only do I have to live with the repercussions but you do too. Be smart and don’t put me to the test.
Don’t ask me to watch your child so you can go to the bathroom
Are you kidding me? Do you not see the 50 bobbing heads in the water I can’t take my eyes off of while you have to go pee. You are certainly taking your chances leaving them in the water while I’m watching the other 49 bobbing heads, but now you want me to watch your beachside kids too? And what am I supposed to do if they start misbehaving, or run off? Should I jump down from my chair to chase after them?
Use some commonsense. Don’t ask me to watch your kids. Take them with you to the bathroom, call them out of the water if you have to. Pack em up and take them to the bathhouse, sorry. I know it’s a pain, but if you don’t have another person with you to watch them, it’s what you have to do.
Don’t put things in front of me, including yourself
Don’t put things in my line to the water that can block either my view or get in my way as I jump down unexpectedly and run to the water to assist a swimmer. I need to be going top speed and if I trip over your beach chair, it might mean the difference between life and death for a swimmer.
One time I had two mothers who were annoyed because there was seaweed floating in the water. They took the time to gather it all up on a water float and then dumped it right in front of my lifeguard chair. The were trying to teach me a lesson. One loudly told the other one, “now she’ll have to do something about the seaweed on the water.” I then called my manager and told him what they’d done. I looked at the women and said, “do you think I put the seaweed in the water? Now, what will you do if I have to jump down to save your child and I slip in the seaweed and break my neck instead?
My manager came down, removed the seaweed while I watched the water and informed the two Einsteins that if they did that again and put anyone else at risk because of their behavior, they would lose their membership. And they can go pound sand if they don’t like it.
Keep track of your kids even when they are out of the water
If you lose track of your five-year-old who may have wandered up to the playground or into the woods, and you come and tell me that you can’t find her I have to act immediately. I must assume that she is under the water because if she is, she doesn’t have long before she drowns.
I can’t assume she’s just somewhere out of sight where she can breath. So that means I need to call everyone out of the water, call the other guards and systematically search the water. If we can’t see the bottom it will take some time to search. That means everyone has to stay out of the water until we’re finished. So if I’ve pulled everyone out on a 90 degree day to hunt for your child, and it turns out she was on the swings, you’re going to be super popular. And by the way, you don’t want her to be under that water where we can’t see the bottom. If she’s there, chances are really not good that she’ll come out of it OK. So don’t take your eyes off your kids.
Don’t give me a hard time if I make your kids sit out for a time as punishment for bad behavior
I don’t want to spoil people’s fun. But if your kid is misbehaving it can be distracting and put other kids’ lives in danger. If I pulled them out and make them sit on the beach or pool-side, it’s for a good reason. Take that as your cue to discipline and manage your children so that I don’t have to.
Back me up. If I tell your child to stop doing something, make sure they don’t do it again.
And don’t you do it either. Don’t argue with me in front of your child. I am an authority figure on the beach and I have to maintain order. There are a lot of people watching. I’m not going to just let it slide because that will mean losing respect from the other beach goers and kids in the water. Even if you think I’m wrong, respect my role.
Talk to me or my manager afterward, but don’t start a confrontation with me while I’m in the chair. I can assure you I’m not going to allow it. I’ll ask you to leave or call security or the police if I have to, and I don’t have time to debate with you. I have people’s kids to keep safe.
I’m not just paid to sit in a chair all day. Don’t be jealous.
I know I have an awesome tan and I look good in my lifeguard uniform. I look good probably because I got up this morning and swam or ran or did whatever I’m required to stay in shape in case I have to rescue you. Please understand that I spent all winter training so that I was ready for this job. I’ve got a pocket full of safety certifications. This winter I likely renewed or received a certification in lifeguarding, first aid, water safety, basic life support, and anything else required by your state. And lifeguard training is rigorous. I’ve learned how to drag a guy twice my size out of the water, handle all kinds of emergencies and I’ve swam a lot. Give me some credit. I’m more than just a pretty face twirling a whistle.
People don’t actually yell, “help I’m drowning’ when they are drowning.
They go quiet and keep their mouths shut trying to save that last bit of air. So keep your eyes open especially in the ocean or lake, or anything with an uneven bottom. A kid standing in the water can walk off a ledge and start to struggle in the water. There are countless tales of kids drowning right next to their parents while they chatted away right in the water. They even show us real footage of close calls they’ve captured on beach cams, during our training classes to prove it to us.
Don’t count on arm floaties or rafts
I can’t tell you how many kids I see get in trouble with those stupid floaties that parents have an over-reliance on. They put them on their arms and let them go out past their heads when they know they don’t know how to swim well. Little, plastic, blow up things that can slide off a kids arm, and also impede movement. My personal opinion is I think it’s even harder for a kid to correct themselves when they lose one floatie. Can’t swim right and you are thrown off balance. If you want to use the floaties use them but don’t assume your child is good to go because she has them on. Watch your child in the water as if they have no floaties on. And if we are talking about any body of water with a current, be even more like a hawk because they are likely not going to be able to deal with the current and can float out past the swim area.
Even with a swim vest or jacket, don’t assume they are bulletproof. Some of them still allow a child’s face to go in the water. Kids get tired, throw up, get spooked, anything can happen. So don’t lull yourself into a false sense of security because they have some kind of flotation device. that little bit of plastic shouldn’t be the only thing between child having fun in the water and tragedy. Same goes for rafts. Nothing beats swim lessons. Make sure as young as possible, they get at least basic swim lessons. Babies under one are even easier to teach. They are like little fish because they still remember the womb and so the water doesn’t stress them out. So invest in some kind of lessons before swim season starts.
If you see someone struggling in the water, let me know. Don’t just head in and be a hero
I am trained to handle the situation and I can handle it likely better than you. For example I know that many drownings turn into double drownings because someone went in to try to save someone.
When someone is drowning they are not in their normal state of mind. They are in survival mode. They will grab you and climb on top of you to get to safety, but instead both of you just go under. They also become very strong. The last thing you want to do is let a drowning person get their hands on you in the water. There are ways to get them out of the water safely, for both of you. So I appreciate you want to help, but if you see something, say something. Please.
Also, don’t assume if I don’t go directly into the water, or throw them a ring first, that I’m just lazy or don’t want to do my job. I have a whole scene to be in charge of. I have to go save someone while also deal with the rest of the people in the water. You don’t want one person drowning while I’m off saving another. I may need to radio for support, or at least eyes on the water to a lifeguard in another chair. There may already be a guard closer that I have already signaled to.
In lifeguard class, they teach you to make contact with a person only as the last line of defense. First use something like a buoy or a board to bring to the swimmer and put some distance between you and that person. People under stress can panic and get a burst of adrenaline so it’s best to avoid getting into grabbing range if there’s another way to assist them. A lifeguard may also get closer to a tired swimmer and watch, talking with the swimmer and assess whether they need to get up alongside of them. They are always analyzing the entire scene at the beach as they know things can change in an instant.
Lastly, by all means, think about taking a water safety class so you too can potentially avert a crisis someday if there’s no lifeguard present.
White water rafting is a fun, exciting adventure that pretty much anyone can participate in. You can vary the difficulty level up alot by choosing which class of rapids you want to handle, what kind of boat, or in some cases, tube, and how long you want to go for.
Whitewater Rafting with Children in the United States
A whitewater trip with the family is tons of bonding opportunities. You are drifting through a beautiful area, there are moments where you really have to work together, and hilarious things invariably happen on a rafting trip. It will give you tons to talk about for years to come. The best times for rapids are Spring and Fall. Fall usually when dams are released.
Be careful to check the classes of rapids for the season. It can even vary by day if there’s been significant rain. So always check before heading out. Class one and two are good for beginners and young kids. Three and four are getting pretty serious, so I’d recommend saving that for the older kids, as well as five and six. Six is for experts only. Here are some great ideas for where to travel with your children on your next big family adventure
Lehigh River, Pennsylvania
The Lehigh River in the Pocono Mountains offers Class II and III rapids, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate rafters. The fall foliage along the riverbanks adds to the beauty of the experience. Companies like Pocono Whitewater and Whitewater Challengers offer guided rafting trips.
River Rider Family Adventure Resort, Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia
Take the family on a variety of excursions at this one stop shop for everything fun. It’s year round as well. So there’s rafting, zip lining, e-biking and tubing in the winter. It’s only one hour from the DC and Baltimore Metro Regions, River Riders Inc. offers white water rafting, tubing, canopy tour/zip lining, aerial forest adventure parks, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, lodging options and fishing adventures on the beautiful Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers (class I-III) in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. You can get a full day Adventure pass to spend the day having fun with the family. For more information, check out The River Rider Adventure Resort.
Photo Cred: River Rider Family Adventure Resort
Colorado River, Grand Canyon, Arizona
Rafting through the Grand Canyon is a breathtaking experience, offering both calm waters and thrilling rapids. There are various trip lengths available, ranging from short one-day excursions to multi-day adventures.
Snake River, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The Snake River offers family-friendly rafting trips with Class II and Class III rapids, making it suitable for beginners and young kids. The picturesque Teton Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for your rafting adventure.
Salmon River, Idaho
Known as the “River of No Return,” the Salmon River provides a mix of gentle stretches and exciting rapids, making it an excellent option for families seeking both relaxation and adrenaline-pumping fun.
Deschutes River, Oregon
The Deschutes River offers family-friendly rafting experiences with Class II and Class III rapids. The scenic canyon and high desert landscape add to the charm of this adventure.
Nantahala River, North Carolina
This river is a great option for families with younger children or those new to rafting. It offers Class II rapids and a beautiful mountainous setting.
The Arkansas River provides a range of rafting options suitable for families, from mild Class II sections to more challenging Class III and IV rapids in other areas. There are many family-friendly rafting outfitters in this region.
Rogue River, Oregon
The Rogue River offers a mix of calm waters and moderate rapids, providing families with a memorable and scenic rafting experience.
American River, California
The American River features three forks, each with different levels of difficulty. The South Fork is suitable for families and beginners, offering Class II and III rapids.
If you have older kids or teenagers, the Gauley River can provide an exciting adventure with its intense Class IV and V rapids during certain times of the year.
Whitewater Rafting Destinations Outside of The United States
Futaleufú River, Chile
Located in Patagonia, the Futaleufú River is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and challenging Class IV and V rapids. The stunning mountainous landscape adds to the adventure.
Zambezi River, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
Rafting on the Zambezi River provides an adrenaline-pumping experience, particularly near Victoria Falls, with some of the wildest Class V rapids in the world.
Pacuare River, Costa Rica
This tropical paradise offers an incredible rafting experience through lush rainforests and stunning canyons. The Pacuare River features Class III and IV rapids.
Ottawa River, Canada
The Ottawa River offers an array of rapids suitable for various skill levels, making it a great family-friendly option. The river flows through beautiful wilderness and features Class III and IV rapids.
Reventazón River, Costa Rica
Another gem in Costa Rica, the Reventazón River, provides a mix of Class II to Class IV rapids, surrounded by lush jungles and vibrant wildlife.
Franklin River, Tasmania, Australia
The Franklin River offers remote and challenging rafting trips through the wilderness of Tasmania. It’s a fantastic option for experienced rafters seeking an unforgettable adventure.
Tara River, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Tara River Canyon is the second deepest in the world and offers thrilling Class III to V rapids, cutting through stunning Balkan landscapes.
Sun Kosi River, Nepal
Rafting on the Sun Kosi River allows you to experience the beauty of the Himalayas while navigating through exhilarating Class III to IV rapids.
The White Nile, Uganda
The White Nile is a popular destination for rafters of all levels, offering challenging rapids, beautiful scenery, and opportunities to spot unique wildlife along the riverbanks.
Planning Your Trip
Remember, safety should always be a top priority when rafting with your family. Make sure to choose a reputable rafting outfitter that provides experienced guides and appropriate safety equipment. Additionally, check the minimum age and skill requirements for each trip to ensure it matches your family’s abilities and preferences.
When planning a whitewater rafting trip outside of the USA, it’s essential to research local regulations, choose reputable outfitters, and consider the best time of year to experience optimal water levels and weather conditions. Always prioritize safety by using appropriate gear and going with experienced guides.
Hi, so it’s been a few years while life got in the way and I paused my work on AdventureParent. But I’m back now. I’ve spent a lot of years traveling with my daughter, going on all kinds of adventures and pushing her out the door to go on her own with her friends. Even though my daughter’s a little older now, I’ve realized that I’m really good at this taking kids on adventures thing. And I want to share everything I’ve learned, and still learning so that you can cherish this time with your children.
Travel is the Best Teacher
I can’t tell you how glad I am that I made the effort to take my daughter around traveling whenver I could.
And here’s me with my favorite adventure buddy when I first started this blog. There were earlier versions, but we won’t count those. I learn from her every day and hope she looks back on all the fun we’ve had and pay it forward. This was taken on her first day of Sports camp at Chelsea Piers. And here she is now, on the Spanish Steps with me in Rome
Morgan and me standing at the base of the Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy, August 2019
I played Women’s Rugby in England and the US. I’ve been dogsledding in Quebec. I’ve toured all the major castles in Wales, traveled all over France, England, Ireland and Scotland. I’ve donned a survival suit and zipped around in Zodiacs on the St. Lawrence just to get up close and personal with Blue Whales. And don’t think I just like sports. I trekked to Trinity College Dublin just to see the Book of Kells, I climbed every duomo I could climb in Italy, I’ve laid on the floor of the Sistine Chapel and looked up, I’ve visited Juliet’s balcony and had pints at the Dirty Duck in Stratford upon Avon, the big man’s home town (twice), I’ve visited the classrooms of the Jason Project in Belize and am a frequent visitor to the Museum of Natural History in New York City. Oddly, I was obsessed with Ancient Egyptian and Greek mythology, yet I haven’t been to those places, but they are on my bucket list. I had dragged my husband along with me on travels, mostly mountain biking to Moab, camping in the Grand Canyon, biking the old Creeper Trail in Virginia, scuba diving in Belize, and more.
And Then We Had Kids
In 2004 I had my daughter. I had planned on doing all the kinds of things I had done before, with her and my husband. But the reality of taking a wee little thing on these crazy adventures scared me a little. Other things in life happened. I gained a little weight, my marriage fizzled, went through a hairy divorce, and the result was me putting my adventurous side in a deep freeze. But then one day I got sick of it. I missed the old me and snapped out of whatever funk I had been in. I dusted off my bike and I starting doing a lot more of it, getting the old me back every step of the way. The same went for skiing.
So I started to introduce adventure back into my life and this time I’m bringing my daughter along with me. I took her whitewater rafting. I taught her how to ski. I taught her how to ride a bike, rollerblade, kayak, took her surfing, scuba diving, and ran her around on her first wavejammer. We even took kickboxing together. Now I’m an adventurous parent again. And I want to squeeze every inch out of the health and vitality I have left in me before it’s gone.
Passing Along the Travel Bug
I also want to teach my daughter that this is how it’s done. I like to go with people on my adventures but when I can’t find anyone, I just go it alone. And most importantly, I let my daughter know it’s perfectly normal for a girl to want to do all these things. I had wanted to start this website for a long time because I often found it hard to find good stuff to do for parents who wanted to do a little bit more than gymboree or the local swimming pool with their kids.
I live on the Upper East Side of New York City, where that’s an adventure in itself. I’d love to hear your ideas for adventure and what kind of articles you’d like to read more about. Look for anything adventure-related, whether it be mind, body or both. Life is an adventure, so don’t be afraid to get out there and set an example for your kids. Life is what you make of it.
